In New Zealand, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not notifiable. However, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the late sequelae of human immunodeficiency virus infection, is notifiable. Therefore surveillance efforts are based on voluntary provision of data from laboratories and clinics (sexual health clinics, family planning clinics and student and youth health clinics). Population and disease coverage varies by data source. Laboratories are an important source of STI surveillance data as they receive specimens from all health providers.
Laboratory surveillance of gonorrhoea began in the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions in 1998. Laboratory surveillance of chlamydia began in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions in 1998 and in the Auckland region in 2001. Since June 2004, efforts have been made to extend STI surveillance to additional laboratories across New Zealand. Improvements to the reporting of laboratory surveillance data were implemented during 2009. From 2012 the format of the STI lab surveillance quarterly report changed to online tables to improve access to DHB level data. Population-based quarterly rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea for many District Health Boards (DHBs) and estimates of national rates based on the data from these DHBs are now reported.
From 2019 the quarterly STI Laboratory data is presented in a dashboard format on the link below:
https://www.esr.cri.nz/our-services/consultancy/public-health/sti/